Arsenal America

For those of us here in the States, Fox Sports World is the greatest cable station going right now. They show soccer, and lots of it. They also have a nightly show, the Fox Sports World Report, that is like SportsCenter, only if SportsCenter showed nothing but soccer highlights.

Arsenal America recently had the chance to catch up with Jeremy St. Louis, one of the lead anchors for the show…

ArseAm: Ok, let’s get this out in the open right now. Are the rumours about you and Michelle Lisselle dating true?

JSL: Hahaha - ummm no. Michelle is way too good for the likes of me. We are just friends and colleagues but if people actually think we’re dating, we must have some decent chemistry on the air.

ArseAM: What’s your background? What sports do you play/played growing up? What school did you go to? Where did you work before FSW?

JSL: I grew up in Winnipeg but spent my teenage years in Red Deer, Alberta (Canada). I was an athletic yet geeky youngster who played soccer, hockey and football. When I was a teenager and filled out, I stuck strictly to football and quarterbacked my team to a few Championships. After that, off to University where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry and Pschology before switching to broadcasting. I took two more years for that in Calgary, Alberta before graduating and cutting my teeth in the news department in smalltown Brandon, Manitoba doing radio news. I switched to sports in 1997 and took my first TV reporter job in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. After six months int he city of 10,000, it was time to become an anchor and I did that for two years in Medicine Hat, Alberta. I was fired exactly ten days after my two year anniversary - which meant I was headed for greener pastures (you can never make it in broadcasting til you’ve been fired). I took some time off and returned to TV as a weather anchor on Global TV in Winnipeg and after two years doing that, I was offered my current position - which I have been doing for a year and a half now.

ArseAM: Which league is the best in Europe, which team is the best in England?

A3: I know people will disagree with me but I think England is the best. I just don’t think you can get a better slice of talent, mixed with drama and the best commentary anywhere else in the world. As for which team I thinkis best - it has to be Arsenal. I’m amazed at how Manchester United (whom I support…boo, hiss - I know) can spend millions on players but still chase a team that is built through a youth system. Arsene Wenger is a genius, no question and Arsenal are going to be the best for years.

ArseAm: What are your thoughts on MLS?

JSL: I like the MLS but we don’t see enough of it to get a decent feel for it. For pure value, it is one of the best leagues out there and I’m happy to say the talent is really getting better. For now, the MLS may be a feeder system for Europe and abroad but the day is coming when the MLS will be right up there. I’m sad to say the MLS Report that we had with Christian Miles is gone for now but I know a move is afoot at our end (in Winnipeg) to get it back and produce it here so keep your eyes and ears open MLS fans.

ArseAM: What’s the best part of working on the Fox Sports World Report?

JSL: The best part? I’d have to say being on the air is the best. People look at ESPN or TSN (here in Canada) and assume we have an easy day of reading what has been written for us, which is not the case. Michelle,myself and our producer sit down at noon everyday and set the lineup, then we cut the video for hilite packs, etc and write the entire show. It’s a taxing day that is incredibly hairy come Champions League days and World Cup qualifying days (this week). Not to mention what Carlos and Mitch go through on the weekends. So if we seem a little frazzled sometimes, you know why. Still, although it is a drain, when I hear that intro music I find a second wind and do the best I can for the next hour - and I love it.

ArseAM: Bobby McMahon seems pretty sharp. Does he actually know his stuff, or is he being fed his info by some hard working staffer behind the scenes?

JSL: Hahaha - that’s funny…a hard working staffer!! Bobby McMahon is the REAL deal and we love him to death. He is THE best analyst out there and here’s why: Every Sunday and Thursday nights he emails us a list of the games and the topics he wants to discuss surrounding each game. This is all from his own research and memory. We come in on Mondays and Fridays and write our show based on what he has sent us. So no staffer is feeding him - he is actually feeding us!! We then prep 30-minutes before the show with him just for final points and clarification - and then we go do it!! Bobby is a guy who could likely jump to another network with little trouble but he feels a tie to our show and that’s what keeps him here - and we appreciate it. And to clarify something if I may - we get email from Arsenal supporters saying Bobby is an Arsenal-hater which couldn’t be further from the truth. He LOVES Arsenal but like a true impartial figure, he keeps it well hidden.

ArseAM: Ok, final thing. This kills me every night: If you pronounce your last name “Looey”, shouldn’t you pronounce it “San” and not “Saint”?

JSL: I’ve often thought of changing my last name to ‘Smith’ because I get asked about it so much - but in all honesty, I have no idea why it is the way it is. My parents told me that’s how it’s pronounced so that’s how I pronounce it!! My family can be traced all the way back to England in the 1300’s but I have no idea if there is any ‘blue’ blood along the way. I hope so though because I’ll need a pass to get through the gates upstairs…hahaha!!

Thanks Jeremy. Fox Sports World Report airs nightly at 10pm eastern.